Somatic Therapy in Denver
Many of my clients come in feeling like they have hit a wall with traditional talk therapy. You might understand your past and recognize your triggers, yet your body still reacts like there is an immediate threat. On the outside, you seem to be managing it all while living your life here in Denver, but inside, your chest feels tight or your stomach is constantly in knots.
Working with me means having a steady, insightful companion walking alongside you as you move out of survival mode. We don't just talk about the stress; we use somatic awareness to address how that stress lives in your physical form.
Why talk therapy isn’t always enough
You cannot think your way out of a physiological response. When you experience chronic stress or trauma, your nervous system stores those memories in your muscles and fascia. This is why you might feel an overwhelming sense of dread even when you know you are safe at home in Colorado.
I use polyvagal theory to help you understand why your body shuts down or goes into a "fight" response during minor disagreements. Understanding the science of your biology helps quiet the inner critic that tells you that you’re overreacting. We work together to find where you carry that quiet weight and how to let it go.
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Bringing somatic awareness to your daily life
In our sessions, I might ask you to notice the temperature of your hands or the way your breath shifts when we talk about a specific memory. This isn't about forced movements or rigid exercises. It is about learning to listen to the subtle signals your body has been sending you for years.
Many Denver professionals find that this body-based approach finally provides the relief that intellectualizing their problems couldn't reach. We incorporate elements of EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to make sure we are addressing every layer of your experience. You will learn how to regulate your system in real-time — whether you are sitting in traffic on I-25 or preparing for a difficult conversation.
Whether you are looking for support in Denver or seeking a therapist licensed in California and Colorado, I provide a space where you don't have to fit into a box. My approach is grounded in clinical expertise but delivered with realness. We will focus on the intersection of your mental health and your physical state to create lasting change.
Frequently asked questions about somatic therapy
What does a typical somatic therapy session look like?
1
We start by checking in with how you feel in the moment rather than just recounting the events of your week. I will guide you to notice physical sensations like tension, heat, or tingling while we discuss different topics. This allows us to process emotions as they show up in your body rather than just talking around them.
Is somatic therapy the same as massage or physical therapy?
2
No, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, and our work is strictly clinical and psychological. We don't use touch in our sessions. Instead, we use your internal awareness of your body to help resolve emotional trauma and chronic stress responses.
How many sessions will I need to see a difference?
3
Many people notice a shift in their baseline anxiety levels within the first 4 to 6 sessions. Somatic work often moves faster than talk therapy because we are working directly with the part of the brain that controls your stress response. However, everyone’s nervous system is different, and we will move at a pace that feels right for you.